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How Yeast Infections Are Diagnosed

Symptoms of a yeast infection are very similar to the warning signs of other health issues, so you may be at risk if you diagnose it yourself. Find out when you should check in with your gynecologist.

Vaginal itching, redness, and discharge sound like sure signs of a yeast infection — a fungal infection that's as common as it is annoying. As apparent as the infection may seem, however, you may face some risks if you diagnose or treat it yourself. These symptoms can also be a red flag for other, more serious health issues. The only way to know for sure is to see your gynecologist — especially if you've never been diagnosed with a yeast infection before.

Symptoms of a Yeast Infection

Vulvovaginal candidiasis, more commonly known as a yeast infection, develops when there's an overgrowth of the Candida yeast normally found in the vagina. The infection can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

If you have a yeast infection, you might experience other warning signs such as painful urination, says Sarah Wagner, MD, an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, Ill. "This is caused by urine making contact with an irritated vulva," she says.

Some women may also experience redness and swelling, says Oluwatosin Jaiyeoba, MD, an obstetrician/gynecologist with the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. "These symptoms can develop inside the vagina as well as externally," she says.

Why It's Important to See Your Doctor for a Yeast Infection

If you suspect you have a yeast infection, you should see your doctor to confirm a diagnosis and get treatment. Ignoring or delaying treatment for a yeast infection can make the condition more difficult to manage.

There are a number of yeast infection medications now available without a prescription. These antifungal treatments are available in creams, tablets, and suppositories that are inserted into the vagina. Depending on the type of medication you use, treatment can last from one to seven days.

The easy availability of over-the-counter treatments can tempt women who experience the symptoms associated with a yeast infection to self-diagnose and self-treat. That's not necessarily a good idea, however — especially if you've never been officially diagnosed with a yeast infection before.

Some common symptoms of yeast infection could also be signs of another type of infection that requires antibiotics. For instance, yeast infections and urinary tract infections share common symptoms, such as a burning sensation when urinating, Dr. Jaiyeoba says. The signs of a yeast infection are also very similar to certain sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia and gonorrhea, as well as conditions such as contact dermatitis and bacterial vaginosis.

You should be especially cautious about self-diagnosing a yeast infection if you're pregnant. Talk to your doctor before using any form of treatment for a suspected yeast infection, particularly if you are in your first trimester.

Diagnosing Yeast Infections at the Doctor's Office

A diagnosis of yeast infection begins with your gynecologist taking your medical history and asking about your symptoms. Your doctor can confirm a diagnosis by performing a pelvic exam. During the exam, a speculum is inserted in the vagina to allow the doctor to check for symptoms such as swelling or discharge.

Doctors also generally take a sample of discharge with a swab from within the vagina and examine it under a microscope in the office, Wagner says, so a diagnosis can be made right away.

Prescription Treatment for Yeast Infection

Most cases of mild to moderate yeast infection can be treated with an over-the-counter antifungal cream, ointment, tablet, or suppository. If you're diagnosed with a yeast infection that doesn't respond to an over-the-counter treatment, your doctor may prescribe a stronger topical or oral medication. Typically, a single dose of oral antifungal medication is sufficient to treat most yeast infections.

For women with recurring or persistent yeast infections, however, one dose may not be enough. Yeast infections are most commonly caused by a type of yeast called Candida albicans, which responds well to typical treatments. But they can also be caused by other types of Candida, which may require longer or more aggressive treatment. "Patients who have a complicated infection because they have a suppressed immune system or they are infected with a non-albicans yeast might need more than one dose," Jaiyeoba says.